Message in a bottle found near Cannonvale Beach

A WALK in the mangroves beside Cannonvale Beach on ANZAC Day morning, led to a fascinating discovery for local tour guide Craig Watson.

Mr Watson said he couldn't believe it when he stumbled across a small bottle, which appeared to have a message inside.

"I had to use a shifter to prize the lid open and inside was a photo, rolled up, with a heartfelt message written on the back," he said.

The faded photo of a woman and child was torn apart and had to be pieced together to see the message, which read, "My darling sweet Cherry, it's been five years since you were taken from me and our princess Phomeila, who is coming six years old. I love you as much today Cherry as I loved you from the first night we met."

The message was dated October 1, 2008 and signed 'Brad'. It also contained the name 'Dalumpine Harris'.

Mr Watson immediately started a search on social media sites, typing in any and all of these name combinations but without success.

He would be interested to hear from anyone who might have clues about the identity of the message writer or his family.